Diocese of Charlotte Curriculum Day Meeting Minutes and Action Plan What is Working – What is Not / Where are We – Where do We Want to Be? Minutes
Middle Grade Math Meeting 3/8/13 Items that are working: Leveled classes (in some schools) Small class sizes Interactive lessons – white boards are great Partner/small group activities as a motivator Supplemental packets of notes & examples for students/parents Student test corrections with explanations of why they obtained an incorrect answer Utilizing released common core algebra exam for sample questions Vertical Planning within middle grades Scope & Sequence for each grade level Weekly math meetings within grade levels Kuta Software – good resource School wide focus on strengthening weak skills based on standardized testing results Teaching content specific vocabulary Items that are not working: Maximizing learning in a non-leveled class Text & Investigations – not enough background information in text, supplements needed and Investigations are longer than class time allows Larger class sizes Technology – teachers need to be trained on 21st century skills to be taught as well as other resources Not many resources for Common Core yet Time needed to implement CCSS – build stages for implementation Educating parents on new standards and learning 40 minute classes limit creativity in the classroom Getting low performers engaged in a class where they are uncomfortable No way to exchange resources within Diocese Varied ability levels of incoming 5th graders These were the main issues we shared and discussed at the Math content meeting. We feel we are at the learning and sharing phase of implementation of CCSS. As far as where we would like to be or goals we would like set for ourselves: Vertical Team Meeting – in order to make adjustments to our current Scope & Sequence to fit Common Core – invite all middle grades in the diocese if possible. Technology – Technology person responsible for training and assisting teachers with integrating technology in content area. Common Core grade level assessments to assess students between grade levels for placement, and to assist in planning for the year based on incoming student needs. Resources for larger group investigations – share resources within Diocese – thru wiki for now Blocking schedule options or flexibility Educating parents about Common Core and the new learning styles/methods it brings.
What is Working – What is Not / Where are We – Where do We Want to Be?
Minutes
Middle Grade Math Meeting 3/8/13
Items that are working:
Leveled classes (in some schools)
Small class sizes
Interactive lessons – white boards are great
Partner/small group activities as a motivator
Supplemental packets of notes & examples for students/parents
Student test corrections with explanations of why they obtained an incorrect answer
Utilizing released common core algebra exam for sample questions
Vertical Planning within middle grades
Scope & Sequence for each grade level
Weekly math meetings within grade levels
Kuta Software – good resource
School wide focus on strengthening weak skills based on standardized testing results
Teaching content specific vocabulary
Items that are not working:
Maximizing learning in a non-leveled class
Text & Investigations – not enough background information in text, supplements needed and Investigations are longer than class time allows
Larger class sizes
Technology – teachers need to be trained on 21st century skills to be taught as well as other resources
Not many resources for Common Core yet
Time needed to implement CCSS – build stages for implementation
Educating parents on new standards and learning
40 minute classes limit creativity in the classroom
Getting low performers engaged in a class where they are uncomfortable
No way to exchange resources within Diocese
Varied ability levels of incoming 5th graders
These were the main issues we shared and discussed at the Math content meeting. We feel we are at the learning and sharing phase of implementation of CCSS. As far as where we would like to be or goals we would like set for ourselves:
Vertical Team Meeting – in order to make adjustments to our current Scope & Sequence to fit Common Core – invite all middle grades in the diocese if possible.
Technology – Technology person responsible for training and assisting teachers with integrating technology in content area.
Common Core grade level assessments to assess students between grade levels for placement, and to assist in planning for the year based on incoming student needs.
Resources for larger group investigations – share resources within Diocese – thru wiki for now
Blocking schedule options or flexibility
Educating parents about Common Core and the new learning styles/methods it brings.